1 week Ago
In the fall of 1961, my family made a life-changing decision to move from the corn fields of Newton, Iowa, to Boulder, Colorado. At the time, Boulder was a burgeoning town of about 38,000 people, nestled against the striking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, and the sense of community was palpable. As I settled into my new surroundings, I quickly learned that Boulder was abuzz with excitement over a local hero: Dr.
Joe Romig, an All-America football player and future Rhodes Scholar. Boulder’s community spirit was evident in how it celebrated Romig’s success. Local businesses proudly displayed Buffaloes’ memorabilia, game days were events where fans, families and students gathered to support the team.
The camaraderie extended beyond the stadium, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose that was felt throughout the town. His college football career from 1959 to 1961 was nothing short of spectacular despite his relatively small stature for a lineman, standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 190 pounds. Romig ended his football career at graduation, passing on playing professional football to study at Oxford University in England on a Rhodes Scholarship.
There, Romig earned a master’s degree in physics and returned to CU Boulder for his doctoral degree in Astrogeophysics. He was born on April 11, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His family soon moved to Lakewood, Colorado, where he eventually would make his mark.
Romig exhibited a keen interest in sports from a young age, participating in various athletic activities. His natural talent and dedication quickly stood out, setting the stage for his future in football. While at Lakewood he won the state heavyweight wrestling championship and, in 1957, the Golden Helmet Award for the top senior high school football player in the state.
Before current Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter stepped onto the field for the Buffaloes, captivating fans with his dual-threat capabilities, Romig, like Hunter, played both ways on the field, as an offensive guard and a defensive linebacker. Romig’s performance on the field was characterized by agility, intelligence and an unmatched competitive spirit. He was a trailblazer in balancing the dual demands of sports and academics.
As a Rhodes Scholar, Romig highlighted his commitment to academic excellence. This achievement speaks volumes about Romig’s ability to navigate the demanding life of a college athlete while prioritizing his education. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of academics in the lives of athletes, a message that still remains relevant today.
Romig’s era was one where the pressures of media, money and endorsements were not as intense as they are today, allowing athletes to focus more on their studies and personal growth. Leadership was a hallmark of Romig’s career. On the field, he was known for his ability to inspire teammates and lead by example.
His leadership style was characterized by humility, hard work and a focus on team success over personal accolades. This approach is just as relevant today, where athletes are often seen as leaders on their teams and in their communities. After graduation as a real rocket scientist, he worked at Martin Marietta, where he contributed to the NASA Voyager project.
He left to begin consulting for venture capital firms. He and his wife Barbara live in Lafayette. They are both strong supporters of the Museum of National History on the Boulder campus, where Barbara worked for over 40 years.
Romig remains a shining example of what college athletes can achieve when they prioritize the development of the whole individual. His story is a testament to the enduring values of hard work, dedication and integrity, which are as relevant today as they were during his time. As we celebrate modern athletes and their achievements, it is essential to remember and honor the legacy of pioneers such as Romig, whose lives exemplified all that is good in college sports.
Romig’s legacy in college football is enduring. In recognition of his contributions and impact on the sport, he was inducted into the National College Football Hall of Fame in 1984. This honor solidified his place among the legends of the game and ensured that his achievements would be remembered by future generations.
While his jersey, No. 67, was retired in 1963, it was brought back into circulation last year, along with Bobby Anderson’s No. 11 and Byron White’s No.
24. Until last week the only retired jersey that remained was No. 19 of the late Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam.
Also, in Romig’s trophy case: member of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, three-time all-conference, CU Athletic Hall of Fame, two-time, first team All American, National Lineman of the Year, finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy vote in 1961, the highest-ranking lineman on the list. The Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy honors exceptional leadership and sportsmanship, and the NCAA Silver Award for career achievement. By looking back at Romig’s contributions, we can better appreciate the role of college athletics in shaping individuals who are prepared not only for success in sports but also for meaningful contributions to society.
His legacy continues to inspire a commitment to excellence that transcends the playing field, offering a timeless example for future generations. Jim can be reached at [email protected] .
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